Reds 4, Cubs 1

July 09, 2014|Reuters

The Sports Xchange

By Jeff Wallner, The Sports Xchange

Reds 4, Cubs 1

CINCINNATI -- Alfredo Simon took over the National League lead in victories with a six solid innings, and center fielder Billy Hamilton's run-scoring triple ignited a three-run rally in the fifth to lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park.

Simon (12-3) allowed one run on four hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings and a season-high 119 pitches.

Cincinnati (49-42) has won five straight games and 14 of its past 19. On Thursday, the Reds will go for their first five-game series sweep since 1976.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo homered for Chicago (38-52), which lost its sixth straight game.

Cubs second baseman Arismendy Alcantara went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his major league debut, but he also threw a runner out at third and was solid in the field.

Right-hander David Beeler, making his second career start for Chicago, allowed four earned runs and six hits with four walks in five innings. Beeler (0-2) did not strike out a batter.

Aroldis Chapman struck out three straight batters in the ninth for his 19th save.

Third baseman Ramon Santiago's RBI double drove home first baseman Brayan Pena, putting the Reds ahead 1-0 in the second. Santiago was thrown out trying to stretch a triple on a relay throw from Alcantara.

Rizzo tied the score 1-1 with his 20th home run, a majestic solo shot to right in the third.

Beeler allowed only two hits through four innings, but things unraveled for the rookie with two outs in the fifth.

Shortstop Zack Cozart, who reached on a bloop single with one out, scored on Hamilton's triple to center. Then back-to-back RBI singles by second baseman Brandon Phillips and right fielder Jay Bruce put Cincinnati ahead 4-1.

Cubs manager Rich Renteria was ejected for arguing in the fifth after third base umpire Andy Fletcher ruled that catcher Devin Mesoraco's grounder, which would've resulted in an inning-ending force play, was foul. Mesoraco grounded to short for the third out.

NOTES: Reds 2B Brandon Phillips left the game with a sprained left thumb after making a diving stop of 1B Anthony Rizzo's single in the eighth inning. ... Reds CF Billy Hamilton left the game in the seventh with a tight left hamstring. ... Cubs 2B Arismendy Alcantara, ranked the organization's No. 7 prospect, was recalled Wednesday from Triple-A Iowa and batted second. Alcantara hit .307 with 25 doubles, 11 triples, 10 home runs and 21 stolen bases in Triple-A. "He's going to be here a couple days," Cubs manager Rich Renteria said. "If (batting second) is a little overwhelming, maybe we'll make an adjustment tomorrow. Hopefully, he can enjoy it, be himself." ... Cubs 2B Darwin Barney was placed on the paternity list. ... Cubs LHP Chris Rusin was optioned to Triple-A to make room for RHP Dallas Beeler, who made his second career start on Wednesday. ... Despite an injury-riddled start to the season, Cincinnati started Wednesday within 3 1/2 games of first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central. "It doesn't surprise me at all that we're in the hunt," Reds utility player Skip Schumaker said.